Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Palmas Bellas, Panama, a region known for its tropical climate and high sun exposure. With UV levels soaring to a maximum of 14 during midday, awareness of these readings is essential for effective sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Prolonged exposure to high UV levels can significantly increase the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather that Palmas Bellas has to offer.
The UV Index varies dramatically throughout the day, starting low at 7:00 AM with a reading of 1, making it a safe time for early risers. As the sun climbs, the index steadily increases, peaking at an intense 14 by noon, indicating a critical level of UV exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, drifting down to 7 by 3:00 PM and dropping further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 0, signaling a return to safer outdoor conditions as the sun sets. If you're planning to spend time outside, be sure to take precautions during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when UV radiation is at its strongest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with consistently extreme levels from January to April, peaking at 14 in March, April, May, and July. February and June follow closely with a UV Index of 13, while the remaining months (August to November) maintain a high risk of UV exposure, with values dropping slightly to 11 in November and 10 in December, marking a shift to very high exposure. This data highlights January through July as the highest risk months, where rapid skin damage can occur in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palmas Bellas | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Arraijan UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Juan Diaz UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
San Miguelito UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Panama UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |